Cannabis Science President & CEO, Dr. Robert Melamede states, “We are very encouraged to see the publication of the Harvard study that demonstrates the ability of phytocannabinoids to inhibit Kaposi cells. The Harvard results confirm and emphasize the direction that we have been developing with our initial drug CS-TATI-1 to inhibit Kaposi Sarcoma. Cannabis Science is in the process of submitting several concept sheets to publicly sponsored research programs to move CS-TATI-1 into the clinic as rapidly as possible to the satisfaction of regulatory review for commercialization.”

David Purdy, CEO & Founder, World AIDS Institute comments, “This groundbreaking Harvard study on the investigation of the effects on KS by cannabinoids is a fundamental game changer in the treatment of a disease that is one of the top causes of AIDS-related deaths in the world. In fact, there has been a precipitous drop in interest in KS treatment research in the activist world despite the devastation on the African continent caused by this particular AIDS-related malady.”

Abstract:Kaposi sarcoma is the most common neoplasm caused by Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpes virus (KSHV). It is prevalent among the elderly in the Mediterranean, inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa, and immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients and AIDS patients. Current treatments for Kaposi sarcoma can inhibit tumor growth but are not able to eliminate KSHV from the host. When the host’s immune system weakens, KSHV begins to replicate again, and active tumor growth ensues. New therapeutic approaches are needed. Cannabidiol (CBD), a plant-derived cannabinoid, exhibits promising antitumor effects without inducing psychoactive side effects. CBD is emerging as a novel therapeutic for various disorders, including cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of CBD both on the infection of endothelial cells (ECs) by KSHV and on the growth and apoptosis of KSHV-infected ECs, an in vitro model for the transformation of normal endothelium to Kaposi sarcoma. While CBD did not affect the efficiency with which KSHV infected ECs, it reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in those infected by the virus. CBD inhibited the expression of KSHV viral G protein–coupled receptor (vGPCR), its agonist, the chemokine growth-regulated protein ? (GRO-?), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), and the VEGFR-3 ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). This suggests a potential mechanism by which CBD exerts its effects on KSHV-infected endothelium and supports the further examination of CBD as a novel targeted agent for the treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma.

About CS-TATI-1Cannabis Science’s research of CS-TATI-1 will be targeted to newly diagnosed patients infected with drug resistant virus, treatment experienced patients with drug-resistant HIV strains, and those intolerant of currently available therapies. Cannabis Science will be pursuing a wide range of NIH based Federal Research Programs such as RO1’s, PO1’s and SBIRS which exist to support preclinical development of target validation and proof of concept studies. These studies will be implemented through collaborations with leading scientific institutions. Cannabis Science will also be pursuing other clinical research collaborations including the AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the Canadian AIDS Trial Network (CATN) and the European AIDS Trial Network (EATN).

About CS-S/BCC-1Cannabis Science is currently working to develop preclinical investigations of CS-S/BCC-1 treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The Company has begun preclinical investigations, which are being initiated in Europe for Squamous/Basal Cell carcinomas and Kaposi Sarcoma based on inhibition of carcinogenicity utilizing cannabinoids that have been demonstrated in recent studies to significantly affect tumor necrosis.

About The World AIDS Institute?The mission of the World AIDS Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to document and preserve the global history of AIDS, to inspire action today to improve the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS (and their family, friends, and communities), and to strengthen the spectrum of innovative initiatives to find a cure.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.Cannabis Science, Inc. is conducting cannabinoid research and development for unmet medical needs. The Company works with leading experts in HIV drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize Phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. Cannabis Science is currently working with CBR International to develop a Pre-IND Application to the FDA that focuses on the use of CS-S/BCC-1 topical cannabis-based preparations for the treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Forward Looking StatementsThis Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as “anticipate,” “seek,” intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” or similar phrases may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company’s reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.